Welcome from the Board of Directors

Dr. Rowena B. Nafianog got a Doctorate in Education from Philippine Christian University in 2017, a Master's in Educational Management from the University of the Philippines, and a Bachelor's Degree in Education from St. Louis University in Baguio, Philippines. She also received a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University in 2019 and a Certificate in Teaching English Language from the University of Cambridge.  Her 26 years of experience in education include roles as a teacher, curriculum/events coordinator, administrator, consultant, trainer, head of academics, and principal at different international schools in the Philippines, Laos, Thailand, China, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Myanmar. She also provided training, workshops, and seminars for teachers in ten ASEAN countries.  She is now pursuing a Post-Doctorate Degree in Guidance and Counselling and a second Master's Degree in Education with a focus on Special Education (MEd SPED). Dr. Rowena is certain she can be a change agent in bringing Irrawaddy Academy's vision and goal to reality in this age of ubiquitous technology. 

Myat Thanda Tun, MA (she/her/hers),is originally from Myanmar(Burma), in Southeast Asia. She holds her Bachelor's degree in Economics from the Institute of Economics in Yangon and earned her Master's degree in Health and Human Services Administration from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.

She was an Asia Pacific Leadership Fellow at the East-West Center, an educational and research organization established by the U.S. Congress in Honolulu, Hawaii and her studies at the East West Center focused on intercultural leadership skills and cultural development. She had extensive professional experiences in Myanmar and in the United States, including Cross Cultural Conflict Training, Education and Leadership Coaching.

She is fluent in Burmese and English, and has basic knowledge of Thai. She had the chance to learn Somali and is looking to enhance her proficiency. Myat served as a board member of the Karen Organization of Minnesota (2013-2019), Global Literacy Advisory Board Member, Minnesota Department of Education (2013-2014), Task Force members of the Metro Refugee Health, Minnesota Department of Health, and the City of Golden Valley’s Inclusion Task Force (Rising TIDES-Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Social Justice), and the member of the Governor’s Community Council on Inclusion & Equity, 2021-2023.

During her leisure time, she enjoys exploring various cultures, countries, and historical contexts. She also dedicates time to volunteering at community events, activities, and local organization functions. Myat currently resides in the Twin Cities area, with her husband and her daughter. She is a leading member of the Burmese Theravada Buddhist Community Minnesota. 

Zin Htay has an associate degree in Nursing and 5 years experience as a clinical assistant. She also has 12 years of experience in Medical Interpreter and Facilitating cross-cultural communication by serving as a cultural liaison, providing proficient interpreting services to bridge language barriers between clients from diverse industries and individuals with limited English proficiency. Now, she is working with MDH as a public hotline agent and am currently pursuing positions that will help a company/organization reach its goals for sustainable health. Providing guidance, information, and scheduling for community vaccination and testing sites with expert knowledge of Public Health policy and roles to provide current resources as an MDH Covid-19 Public Inquiry Liaison.

Additionally, she dedicates her time to community service, assisting with various needs and supporting parents of special needs children in locating resources to ensure inclusion and adequate support for these deserving individuals.

Farah is an enthusiastic and dedicated social worker with over six years of experience in the education sector, particularly focused on children. She has worked extensively with self-help groups aimed at educational support and is familiar with assisting individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations. Farah is motivated to provide the best possible support to clients in need of educational and social care. She adapts effectively to a wide range of situations that arise with individuals and families. Additionally, she is committed to advocating for excluded children to access education and is particularly passionate about promoting literacy among women in her country, where many women face barriers to education.